Annuity / Pension Plans in India

Retirement is a stage which comes in every working individual's life, which can give rise to apprehensions in terms of income and maintaining one's lifestyle. Post retirement, an individual's source of income may no longer be there, forcing them to change their lifestyle. At such a time, a Pension Plan ensures that you continue receiving regular income after your retirement, once the regular work paychecks cease. After working for a major part of your life, a retirement is a well-deserved time, during which you should enjoy life. A pension plan will help fund the activities remaining on your bucket list, while also allowing you to be financially independent.

Benefits of Pension/Annuity Plans :

There's a large part of our population which is fast approaching retirement, making them ideal candidates for pension plans. There is no shortage of insurers offering pension/annuity plans in India, making it easy for one to choose from a bevy of options. However, before you choose a certain plan, it is important that you understand exactly what that plan has to offer, its advantages, disadvantages and all related details. There are plenty of available in the market, each with its own set of benefits and advantages. Some of the benefits common to all pension plans are listed below.

Provision of Regular Income Post Retirement - One of the biggest benefits of an pension plan is that it provides incomes after retirement. Pension schemes available in India help you cover your living expenses post retirement by providing a guaranteed income. With the variety of pension plans available out there, you can choose from one which suits your needs best. While some plans provide you with lifelong income, there are others which offer better returns.

Funds at Times of Need - Some pension plans provide lump sum payments which can help you meet major expenses through life. Before your retirement, you may have several major expenses to take care of life purchasing a house, financing your child's education, etc. Before you choose a policy, make sure you go over the details of the policy so you know exactly what you will be getting from it.

Tax Benefits - Investing in an insurance policy comes with a set of tax benefits which you can avail. The same applies to retirement insurance plans. Check all the policies which you may have short-listed for the tax benefits they offer. Investing in a pension plan from an early age can help you save considerably on tax payments. Check your policy details to find out and understand the ways in which you may benefit from the available provisions of tax exemption under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Insurance Protection - In addition to providing income post retirement, pension plans also provide insurance cover. This is especially useful to provide protection in the unfortunate event of a death following which the family's income will be protected. Insurance cover forms a part of most retirement plans which are offered by . this is helpful so that the surviving spouse does not have to undergo the financial burden following an unfortunate event.

Annuity/Pension Plan Options :

There are 5 segments but the range of options varies from person to person. The 5 segments are as follows:

1. Annuity Payable For Life: Fixed annuity is paid at regular intervals throughout the insured's life. The pension is stopped on the annuitant's death. If you don't have any obligations post your death, then opt for this option. Highest amount of pension is payable to an individual compared to the other options.
2. Annuity Payable For Life With A Guaranteed Period: The annuity is paid for a certain period and thereafter till the annuitant is alive. If the guarantee period is shorter, you will get higher pension. The annuity stops on the death of the annuitant. If you have children who can take care of you after a few years, take this option for a shorter period.
3. Life Annuity With Purchase Price Return: If you want to leave any amount for your dependents, then opt for this option. The annuitant will get pension till he dies, after his death, the purchase price will be given to the nominee.
4. Increasing Annuity at a fixed rate: The annuity paid increases each year with this option.
5. Joint life and last survivor annuity: Annuitant will receive pension till he dies, if his spouse survives then she is also entitled to the pension. The considerable amount of pension to be paid to the spouse can be selected.

Types of Annuity/Pension Plans :

The following are the types of Annuity/ Pension Plans: available.

1. Deferred Annuity: Here the annuitant pays premiums till the policy term is over. After its term, the annuitant will start receiving the pension. No tax is levied on the amount the annuitant invests. You can make a one-time payment or make regular contributions towards the plan.
2. Immediate Annuity: The annuitant has to deposit a large amount and the pension will begin immediately. The annuitant can avail tax benefits prevailing in India.
3. With & Without Cover Pension Plan: 'With cover' will give you a life cover, a lump sum amount is paid to your family in the event of your death. 'Without cover' implies you do not get any life cover. The amount built till the date of your death is paid to your dependents. Deferred annuity is with cover and immediate annuity plans are without cover.
4. Annuity Certain: Annuity is paid for a specific period. If he dies before that period, the beneficiary receives the amount.
5. Guaranteed Period Annuity: Annuity is paid for certain periods regardless of the survival of the annuitant.
6. Life Annuity: Pension is paid till the annuitant's death. If with spouse options is chosen, then the pension will be paid to the spouse.
7. National Pension Scheme: This is introduced by the government. You have the option of withdrawing 60% of the amount at retirement and the rest is used to purchase annuity. The maturity amount is not tax free though.

How to Choose The Right Pension Plan?

With the variety of pension plans available in the market, it could be a challenge to choose the one which suits your requirement best. However, before you invest in a pension plan, there are some basic parameters you must evaluate.

1. Returns - The most important part of any investment is the return it provides. Chose a pension only after you have a fair idea about the returns it would provide. Always keep in mind that if returns are guaranteed, the rate of returns will be low. Choose an option which provides high returns.
2. Liquidity - While most pension plans will have a lock-in period, during which you cannot withdraw the invested funds, there may be some plans available which offer a certain degree of flexibility in terms of withdrawal.
3. Tax Benefits - Insurance payments can help you save on tax payments to a certain extent. The same goes for pension plans. Before you invest in one, ensure that you find out the tax implication that the plan will come with.
4. Tax Exemption of Dividend / Interest - Another factor to consider when looking or pension plans is the tax exemption of the interest or dividend which you're going to receive. Most pension mutual fund dividends are not exempt from tax.
5. Minimum & Maximum Investment Amount - Different pension plans carry different limits in terms of the minimum and maximum investment which can be made towards the plan. Check this before you invest so you can plan your budget accordingly.
6. Investment Mix - This factor comes into play only with regard to pension plans which are offered as part of a mutual fund. Find out the investment mix offered by the pension plan. While, usually the schemes are balanced, they may change over time.
7. Additional Benefits - Retirement plans offer are often accompanied by a string of additional benefits like life cover, tax advantage, etc. Find out the additional benefits which different plans offer, before you make your selection.

Eligibility Criteria for Pension Plans:

In order to be eligible for a pension plan, individuals must fall within a certain age group, usually between 35-75 years. This age bracket (min-max age) may differ with different insurance providers.

Pension Plan Riders:

Most pension plans come with add-on riders which can be taken to enhance the benefits provided by the plan. some of the commonly available riders include:

1. Accidental death and dismemberment rider
2. Term rider
3. Critical illness rider
4. Waiver of premium rider

Popular Pension Plans Available in India:

SBI Life - Annuity Plus

With this plan you can choose your annuity options. You can enjoy the following:

1. Regular income from the age of 40.
2. Lifetime annuity pay-out is paid for you and your family.
3. You can choose the frequency of the pay-outs.
4. You can add a rider, SBI Life- Accidental Death Benefit Rider.
5. You get the following options: Single Life annuity, Lifetime income with Balance Capital Refund, Lifetime income with Annual increase of 3-5%, lifetime income for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years, Two Lives' Life Annuity.
6. You can avail tax benefits as per the tax laws prevailing in India.

HDFC Life New Immediate Annuity Plan

1. Get guaranteed income for as long and you and your spouse lives.
2. Choose from the wide variety of annuity options.
3. Choose the frequency of annuity.
4. Death benefit on certain annuity options are payable.
5. Tax benefits can be availed and they are subject to the tax laws in India.

ICICI Pru Immediate Annuity

You need to make a one-time payment or choose from the 5 pay-out option. You get 4 modes of pay-out i.e. monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly. The pay-out options are as follows:

1. Annuity for life.
2. Annuity for life with return of purchase price.
3. Joint life, last survivor without purchase price return.
4. Joint life, last survivor with purchase price return.
5. Guaranteed annuity for 5, 10 or 15 years.

Reliance Immediate Annuity Plan

This is a single premium plan. You can avail the following benefits from this plan:

1. Earnings can be converted to regular income.
2. You can get regular income for your entire life.
3. You can leave some funds for your dependents.
4. Receive tax benefits as per tax laws prevailing in India.

BSLI Immediate Annuity Plan

You can avail the following benefits with this plan:

1. You can get regular income in your retirement.
2. You can choose the frequency of the pay-out.
3. You need not have to undergo a medical test to avail this policy.
4. You can enjoy tax benefits under Section 80CCC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

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GST of 18% is applicable on life insurance effective from the 1st of July, 2017